Argentine Tegu: Found in Florida?
So, we’ve got some interesting news about a new addition to Florida’s wildlife scene and it may just lead to a new offering by Intercoastal Safaris. The Argentine black and white tegu. These guys aren’t exactly new kids on the block, but they are making themselves quite at home across the Sunshine State, and it seems like they’re spreading their wings beyond just South Florida!
Reports show that over 1,500 tegus have been captured or spotted in St. Lucie County alone, and they’re popping up in other states too! Curious about what these lizards are all about and what you should do if you see one? Let’s dive in!
What is an Argentine Tegu?
The Argentine black and white tegu is a pretty big lizard, growing up to almost 5 feet long and weighing around 10 pounds — that’s like a small dog! According to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, these guys aren’t climbers like their green iguana counterparts; instead, they prefer solid ground and are actually pretty good swimmers!
In their new Florida homes, you can find them chilling in sandy uplands, whether that’s in urban areas, natural habitats, or farmland. Down in South Florida, they tend to hang out in lush spots near canals and roadsides. With various types of tegus out there, the Argentine black and white tegu is definitely the star when it comes to being a pet!
Where & How can I spot a Tegu
If you spot one, here’s what to look for: Argentine black and white tegus have stunning mottled black and white skin, often displaying a cool banding pattern on their back and tail. When they’re just little hatchlings, they sport bright green heads, but that green fades after about a month. They’re quite the sight!
Tegus have set up shop in places like Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Charlotte counties, and, recently, they’ve popped up in St. Lucie County. It seems there’s been a bit of an explosion in sightings thanks to reports through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). While they might be making a ruckus here, other Southeastern states like Georgia and South Carolina are also keeping an eye on them!
Are Tegus Dangerous?
Now, you might be wondering if these lizards are a threat to humans. Generally, they aren’t aggressive, but like many animals, they’ll defend themselves if they feel threatened. They can move quickly and have strong tails, sharp claws, and teeth. So, a bit of caution is wise; injuries could happen if you aren’t careful!
During the winter months, tegus create cozy burrows to brumate, a sort of hibernation that helps them avoid the cold. They typically start coming back out in February, ready to explore again!
What’s wrong with having Tegu in Florida?
Breeding season kicks off in spring for tegus, and females usually get the baby-making itch after their second winter. They tend to lay around 35 eggs in nests made of dry plants, which incubate for about 60 days. These fascinating creatures can live up to 20 years, and once they’re adults, they don’t have too many predators to worry about.
Being omnivorous, tegus enjoy a diverse diet consisting of fruits, insects, eggs, and even small animals like rodents and reptiles. Unfortunately, they don’t shy away from snacking on alligator eggs or disrupting nests of the American crocodile. They also prey upon the threatened gopher tortoise by raiding their eggs and hatchlings — quite the ecological concern!
Can I hunt Argentine Tegu in Florida?
If you come across a tegu in your backyard or during your adventures, it’s important to know that they are not protected under Florida law, except for cruelty statutes. You can humanely kill them on private property with the landowner’s permission or capture and humanely kill them throughout the year on certain state-managed lands in South Florida. Sounds a lot like our guided iguana hunts to me.
